Google has already updated its Google Maps service in mobile browsers, allowing iOS users to access the mapping data on their iPhones and iPads while Google continues to work on a native app for the service.

Part of this update included the ability to access Street View on mobile devices, and that has laid the foundations for today's big announcement.

Ulf Spitzer, the Street View programme manager at Google, said that the major update increases Street View coverage in the UK, US, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Canada, Russia and Italy, along with Macau, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.

Users can now explore various new places directly in Google Maps, including Ferapontov monastery in Russia, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taiwan, Stanley Park in Vancouver and the urban jungle of Singapore's Fort Canning Park.

"On the walls of Elsinore Castle, nestled on the north-eastern coast of Helsingør in Denmark, Bernardo and Francisco uttered the opening words to William Shakespeare's most famous tragedy," he said.

"The castle, known locally as Kronborg and immortalised by Hamlet, provided the setting for the Prince of Denmark to play out his personal battle with madness, grief and searing rage.

"Today we're also launching images from inside Kronborg and its surroundings, so you can discover for yourself the inspiration behind Shakespeare's masterpiece."

Concluding his blog post, Spitzer added: "We hope you enjoy taking a virtual stroll around some of the world's beautiful places, and stay tuned for more Street View updates as we look to make our maps more comprehensive and useful for you."